twiz718

I have had this issue happen 4-5 times now where I get in the car fine (it detects my Key fob), but when I try to push start it nothing happens.
I am pressing the brake pedal down when I attempt to start it.
I tried removing the button and inserting the key directly and turning it, nothing happens.
Eventually, within 30-60 seconds of going through this process it will start.

While it's not starting, it's not even attempting to turn the engine over, it's behaving as if I am not doing anything and I am not even pressing or turning the key.
Here is a video I took of it happening.


Any ideas?

sunnys14

I had a similar issue with the electronic steering lock (ESL) failed and wouldn’t start. You should check into that since it’s a common problem in w204s.

twiz718

did you end up taking it to the dealer to get it fixed? how much did that run?

Cwagon

Mine is has started doing this also.
Btw I had already replaced the motor in my ESL about 6 months ago and all has been good until recently.
Before replacing motor and still does , it would say "key not detected" sometimes before starting.
But now its not displaying the "Key not detected" warning just not starting.
I find if i press the unlock on the key it then starts.
Another thing I noticed playing with it yesterday was that when I turn it off the ESL is not locking/activating
So this may be an EIS problem.

sunnys14

I actually removed the ESL myself and found out the tiny motor inside fried and shorted the board.
Took the ESL, EIS and key to a local guy and had it replaced and reprogrammed for $160

Removing all of the above isn’t difficult, took about an hour or so.

Cwagon

So since last post my car has been starting and turning off without any sound from the ESL unti yesterday when I turned it off in a carpark.
When i shut it down the ESL activated and when I went to restart after about 1 1/2 hrs, zip, nothing.
Did all sorts of things, locking/unlocking using the keyfob.
Removed start button and inserted key still nothing.
Then out of the blue the ESL motor activated and the car started.
Now the ESL is activating and deactivating every on and off.
Borrowing a scanner next week so if it happens again hopefully I can figure out if its the ESL the EIS or both.

Cwagon

Got my ESL/EIS remanufactured and refitted.
All good now.
Have a few tips on removing both (W204 facelift) having done this a few times now.
First if the ESL is unlocked you do not need to remove the steering wheel or column.
Remove the facia around instrument cluster.
Lower and extend the steering wheel away from dash for easier access.
Loosen the 2 front E12 bolts holding up the column, you don't need to remove them.
A 10mm, 12point ratchet spanner works great for these front bolts
Remove the 2 back E12 bolts so now you can access the ESL.
Remove the 13mm nut and you should have enough play in the column rocking up and down to remove after pushing the bolt in.
Installation is reverse.
Originally I used both MIKEYZ VLOGZ as my guide to remove ESL

The EIS can be removed from under the dash.
.
Cheers.

RandyMarsh

thanks for this!

ngaines1

Is it a good idea to not re insert the ESL and maybe just wire tie it to the column for easier access and not locking the steering wheel up in case it fails in the future?

ngaines1

Never mind, got it out